Sunbed

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sunbed (100) comprising a frame (90), a seat element (10), and a backrest element (20), wherein the seat element (10) and the backrest element (20) are connected to each other by means of a hinge device (50) configured to allow reciprocal rotation of these elements. The hinge device (50) comprises a connection and rotation element (30) having a first end portion (31) rotatably associated with the seat element (10) and a second end portion (32) associated with the backrest element (20).

Description

[0001] SUNBED

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to the field of furniture elements. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a furniture element, preferably intended for outdoor environments, and in particular a sunbed.

[0004] Sunbeds are currently well known and widely used. Such furniture elements allow a user to lie down, primarily for the purpose of sunbathing and tanning.

[0005] Generally, sunbeds comprise a seat portion configured, in use, to support the lower part of a user’s body, and a backrest portion configured, in use, to support an upper part of the body, such as the back or a portion thereof and the head of a user. It is known to provide that the seat portion and the backrest portion of sunbeds can be oriented differently relative to one another, so as to offer the user different positions. For example, sunbeds may assume a substantially flat configuration, in which a user can lie down fully reclined, and a seating configuration, in which the backrest portion is inclined relative to the seat portion, thereby allowing the user to assume a seated or substantially seated position.

[0006] For this purpose, the backrest portion and the seat portion are generally connected to each other by hinge devices, which allow reciprocal rotation between the backrest portion and the seat portion.

[0007] Such hinge devices may sometimes be particularly complex. This significantly increases the development costs of sunbeds. Moreover, these furniture elements are generally exposed to atmospheric agents such as sunlight, rain, wind, and sand carried by the wind. This considerably increases the risk of failure and / or breakage of certain components of such furniture elements, particularly the more delicate components, which often coincide with the more complex ones, and the components that move relative to one another and are therefore more subject to wear. These components include the hinges that enable movement between the seat portion and the backrest portion.

[0008] A further critical aspect of known hinge devices lies in the fact that such devices protrude vertically, upwardly, or in a direction opposite to a supporting surface of the furniture element, from the sunbed, particularly when the furniture element is in the reclined configuration, in which the seat portion and the backrest portion are arranged in a flat configuration so as to provide a flat supporting surface on which a user can lie down.

[0009] The above-mentioned protrusion is a typical feature of known sunbeds. Essentially, such a protrusion typically houses within it a hinge device that enablesrotation of the backrest element relative to the seat element, generally at least between a flat position, in which the backrest element and the seat element define a single plane parallel to the ground, and a position in which the backrest element is folded over the seat element. In detail, the raised position of the hinge device is essential in known sunbeds in order to allow complete folding of the backrest element relative to the seat element, which would otherwise not be possible due to mechanical interference between these two elements arising during rotation of the backrest element relative to the seat element. In essence, in the absence of a hinge device creating a center of rotation raised with respect to a plane defined by the backrest element and the seat element, rotation of the backrest element would only be permitted up to a certain degree of rotation, beyond which physical contact between the backrest element and the seat element would prevent any further rotation.

[0010] Such a protrusion, in addition to representing an aesthetic drawback, also constitutes a functional disadvantage. For example, in a condition of non-use of several sunbeds, in which a plurality of sunbeds may be stacked one on top of another, the presence of the protrusion caused by the hinge device prevents many loungers from being positioned one above the other and may render the stack unstable.

[0011] The present disclosure aims to provide a sunbed capable of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with the prior art and / or of achieving further advantages.

[0012] This object is achieved by means of a sunbed as defined in the independent claim. Secondary features and particular embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0013] The present disclosure is based on the recognition by the inventor that, in order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, it is necessary to develop a new hinge device.

[0014] The sunbed according to the present disclosure comprises a frame, a seat element, and a backrest element. Preferably, the frame is a structural element of the sunbed, that is, it is configured to support the entire structure of the lounger as well as the weight of a user. The seat element and the backrest element are connected to each other by means of a hinge device configured in particular to connect a first support element of the seat element with a second support element of the backrest element. Preferably, the first and second support elements are structural elements of the seat element and the backrest element, respectively.The hinge device is configured to allow rotation of the second support element relative to the first support element at least between a first position, in which the first support element and the second support element are parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with one another, and a second position, in which the first support element and the second support element are parallel, or substantially parallel, and superposed on one another. In other words, the first position corresponds to a flat configuration of the sunbed, in which the seat element and the backrest element define a single plane parallel, or substantially parallel, to a supporting surface of the sunbed. In this first position, a user may lie down. The second position, on the other hand, corresponds to a configuration in which the seat element and the backrest element define two planes inclined relative to one another. In other words, the second position corresponds to a configuration of the sunbed in which a user may sit.

[0015] In detail, the hinge device comprises a connecting and rotating element having a first end portion rotatably associated with the first support element and a second end portion rotatably associated with the second support element. In other words, the first support element can rotate relative to the connecting and rotating element at its first end portion, and vice versa, while the second support element can rotate relative to the connecting and rotating element at its second end portion, and vice versa.

[0016] Essentially, therefore, the hinge device according to the present disclosure is a three-element hinge device, in which the first element corresponds to the first support element, the second element corresponds to the second support element, and the third element corresponds to the connecting and rotating element. The latter is substantially interposed between the first support element and the second support element and allows at least a reciprocal rotational movement between them. Furthermore, the connecting and rotating element is configured to connect the first support element to the second support element.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, the connecting and rotating element comprises an abutment element configured such that, upon rotation of the connecting and rotating element relative to the frame of the sunbed, contact occurs between the abutment element and the frame, thereby causing a translational movement of the connecting and rotating element relative to the first support element of the seat element. In other words, the connecting and rotating element is configured so that, when it rotates relative to the frame of the sunbed, contact between the frame and the abutment element causes the connecting and rotating element to translate relative to the first support element, thereby moving its secondend portion, and consequently the second support element, away from the first support element.

[0018] This separation, created by the translational movement of the connecting and rotating element relative to the first support element as a result of contact between the abutment element and the frame, allows the second support element to be folded over the first support element. In other words, the connecting and rotating element is configured such that, upon rotation of the second support element relative to the first support element, the second support element undergoes a translational movement that distances it from the first support element. This makes it possible, following further rotation, for the second support element to be completely folded over, or superposed on, the first support element without any mechanical interference and without the need for the hinge device to comprise a rotation center that is offset relative to the first and second support elements.

[0019] Advantageously, therefore, the third element, or connecting and rotating element, is the element that enables the backrest element to rotate substantially through 180° relative to the seat element. In the first position, the connecting and rotating element is parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with both the first support element and the second support element. Upon rotating the second support element, or the backrest element, relative to the first support element, or the seat element, the connecting and rotating element causes the second support element to move away from the first support element as a result of the abutment between the frame and the abutment element of the connecting and rotating element itself.

[0020] This spacing allows the second support element, or backrest, to be further rotated relative to the first support element, or seat element, without any mechanical or physical interference between these elements. Essentially, the connecting and rotating element is configured such that its rotation causes a translation of the center of rotation of the second support element, thereby enabling the second support element to be rotated through 180° relative to the first support element. In other words, a hinge device configured in this way does not require vertical protrusions relative to a plane defined by the seat element and the backrest element in their first position.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting and rotating element comprises, at its second end, a through hole configured to receive a second pin element designed to connect to the second support element. Furthermore, at its first end, the connecting and rotating element comprises a through slot, or an opening shaped as an oval or a flattened ring, configured toreceive a first pin element for connection with the first support element. Consequently, the second pin allows the second support element and the connecting and rotating element to rotate relative to each other. The first pin element, on the other hand, allows not only rotation between the first support element and the connecting and rotating element, but also translation of the connecting and rotating element, since it is received within a slotted or oval opening.

[0022] Essentially, by virtue of the fact that the first pin element is received in a slotted or oval through opening at the first end of the connecting and rotating element, the latter can not only rotate relative to the first support element but can also translate relative to it. In other words, the slotted opening defines a sliding seat for the first pin element.

[0023] Preferably, according to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the abutment element is positioned at, or in proximity to, the first end portion of the connecting and rotating element. This advantageously promotes translational movement, preferably a movement away from the first support element, of the connecting and rotating element relative to the first support element as a result of rotation of the connecting and rotating element.

[0024] Moreover, such a configuration of the connecting and rotating element, with the abutment element located at its first end portion, advantageously ensures that rotation of the connecting and rotating element relative to the frame occurs only after a predetermined degree of rotation of the second support element. This prevents oscillating or oblique movements between the first support element and the second support element.

[0025] Further advantages, features, and methods of use of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, provided by way of non-limiting example.

[0026] It is nevertheless evident that each embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure may exhibit one or more of the advantages listed above; in any event, it is not required that each embodiment simultaneously exhibit all of the listed advantages.

[0027] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sunbed comprising a seat element and a backrest element arranged in a first position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sunbed comprising a seat element and a backrest element arranged in a second position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a sunbed comprising a seat element and a backrest element arranged in an intermediate position between a first and a second position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a hinge device of a sunbed, in which the backrest element and the seat element are in a first position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a hinge device of a sunbed, in which the backrest element and the seat element are in an intermediate position between a first and a second position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a further schematic view of a hinge device of a sunbed, in which the backrest element and the seat element are in an intermediate position between a first and a second position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a hinge device of a sunbed, in which the backrest element and the seat element are in a second position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a hinge device of a sunbed, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] With reference to the accompanying figures, an embodiment of a sunbed is generally indicated by reference numeral 100.

[0036] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the expression “sunbed” is intended to mean a piece of furniture, preferably for outdoor environments, configured for relaxation and preferably for sunbathing by a user.

[0037] The sunbed 100 according to the present disclosure comprises a supporting frame 90, a seat element 10, and a backrest element 20. Preferably, the seat element 10 and the backrest element 20 are supported by the frame 90.

[0038] Preferably, the frame 90 is a supporting element of the entire sunbed 100 and may comprise a plurality of support legs and longitudinal elements extending along a main development direction of the sunbed 100, as well as transverse elements extending along a second direction orthogonal to said main development direction, the transverse elements connecting the plurality of support legs to one another. The frame 90 is further configured to support the seat element 10 and the backrest element 20.Preferably, the seat element 10 is an element, or a portion, of the sunbed 100 configured, in use, to support at least a portion of a user’s body, preferably a lower portion of a user’s body, while the backrest element 20 is an element, or a portion, of the sunbed 100 configured, in use, to support at least a portion of a user’s body, preferably an upper portion of a user’s body, for example comprising the back and / or the head of a user.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, the position of the backrest element 20 is variable with respect to the position of the seat element 10. In detail, the backrest element 20 is rotatable, or tiltable, with respect to the seat element 10, preferably at least between a first position, in which the seat element 10 and the backrest element 20 form a single supporting plane for the body of a user, preferably parallel or substantially parallel to a supporting surface of the sunbed 100, and a second position, in which the backrest element 20 is rotated by 180°, or substantially 180°, with respect to the first position, and is folded over, or superimposed on, the seat element 10.

[0040] For this purpose, the seat element 10 and the backrest element 20 are connected to each other by means of a hinge device 50 configured to connect these two elements and to allow rotation at least of the backrest element 20 with respect to the seat element 10.

[0041] In detail, the hinge device 50 is configured to connect a first support element 11 of the seat element 10 with a second support element 22 of the backrest element 20.

[0042] Preferably, the first support element 11 is a structural element of the seat element 10, for example configured to support slats of the seat element itself or a sheet made of resistant material so that the weight of a user can be properly supported. Preferably, the first support element 11 is associated with, and preferably superimposed on, a longitudinal element of the frame 90. In other words, the first support element 11 is associated with the frame 90. Similarly, the second support element 22 is a structural element of the backrest element 20, for example configured to support slats of the backrest element itself or a sheet made of resistant material so that the weight of a user can be properly supported. Preferably, at least in a first configuration of the sunbed 100, in which the backrest element 20 is arranged in a flat position with respect to the seat element, the second support element 22 is at least partially in contact with, or abuts against, at least a portion of the frame 90, preferably with at least a portion of a longitudinal element of the frame 90.ln this sense, the hinge device 50 is configured to connect and allow rotation of the second support element 22 with respect to the first support element 11 at least between a first position, in which the first support element 11 and the second support element 22 are parallel, or substantially parallel, to each other and aligned or substantially aligned, and a second position in which the first support element 11 and the second support element 22 are parallel, or substantially parallel, to each other and superimposed one on the other.

[0043] In other words, the first support element 11 and the second support element 22 are both elements having a main direction of extension, preferably longitudinal. Both in the first position and in the second position, the main direction of extension of the first support element 11 and of the second support element 22 is parallel, or substantially parallel, and coincident, or aligned, or parallel, with a main direction of extension of the sunbed 100. In the second position, however, the main direction of extension of the first and second support elements 11 , 22 remains parallel to each other and parallel, or coincident, or aligned, with a main direction of extension of the sunbed 100, but the second support element 22 is superimposed on, or placed above, the first support element 11. In other words, the second support element 22, and therefore the backrest element 20, is movable with respect to the first support element 11, and therefore to the seat element 10, from a position in which the sunbed 100 has a flat, or substantially flat, configuration configured to support a user in a lying position, to a rest, or storage, configuration in which the backrest element 20 is closed, or folded, with respect to the seat element 10.

[0044] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, in the first position, the seat element 10 and the backrest element 20 define a supporting plane parallel, or substantially parallel, to a supporting surface of the sunbed 100. In other words, according to this aspect, the seat element 10 defines a first supporting plane configured, in use, to support a lower region of a user’s body, while the backrest element defines a second supporting plane configured, in use, to support an upper portion of a user’s body. In the first position, these two planes are aligned with each other, that is, they define a single plane, parallel or substantially parallel to a supporting plane of the sunbed 100.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this preferred aspect, the sunbed, preferably at least in the first position, is free of protuberances or projections that extend vertically with respect to the supporting plane of the sunbed 100.

[0046] More specifically, at least in the first position, the hinge device 50 is aligned, or substantially aligned, with the first support element 11 and with the second supportelement 22. In other words, in this first position, the hinge device 50 does not project, preferably vertically, beyond the first support element 11 and the second support element 22.

[0047] According to the present disclosure, the hinge device 50 comprises a connection and rotation element 30. Substantially, this connection and rotation element 30 is a preferably straight, or elongated, element configured to connect the first support element 11 and the second support element 22 and to allow the latter to rotate with respect to the first support element 11. The hinge device 50 thus formed therefore comprises the first support element 11, the second support element 22, and a third element constituted by the connection and rotation element 30, interposed between the first support element 11 and the second support element 22.

[0048] Preferably, the connection and rotation element 30 has a main direction of extension which, in the first position, is parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with a main direction of extension of the first support element 11 and with a main direction of extension of the second support element 22.

[0049] Furthermore, preferably, the connection and rotation element 30 has a transverse dimension, that is, along a direction of extension perpendicular to its main direction of extension, such that the connection and rotation element 30, in the first position, does not project vertically, that is, along a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the seat element 10 and the backrest element 20 in their first position, beyond the first support element 11 and the second support element 22.

[0050] In this way, advantageously, the sunbed 100 according to the present disclosure is free from vertical projections typical of traditional sunbeds, mainly due to the presence of the hinge element.

[0051] The connection and rotation element 30 according to the present disclosure comprises a first end portion 31 and a second end portion 32, opposite the first end portion 31. In detail, the first end portion 31 is configured to be rotatably associated with the first support element 11, while the second end portion 32 is configured to be rotatably associated with the second support element 22.

[0052] Preferably, the first end portion 31 of the connection and rotation element 30 is shaped in an “L” configuration, or substantially in an “L” configuration. In other words, according to this aspect, the first end portion 31 comprises a first side facing the first support element 11 and a second side facing the frame 90, at least in the first position. These first and second sides define between them an angle that is preferably a right angle or substantially a right angle.Preferably, the first end portion 31 of the connection and rotation element 30 is rotatably associated with the first support element 11 by means of a first pivot element 33, while the second end portion of the connection and rotation element 30 is rotatably associated with the second support element 22 by means of a second pivot element 34.

[0053] More specifically, according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the second end portion 32 of the connection and rotation element 30 comprises a through hole 36 configured to receive the second pivot element 34, so as to allow reciprocal rotation between the connection and rotation element 30 and the second support element 22.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this preferred aspect, the first end portion 31 of the connection and rotation element 30 comprises a through slot 35, that is, a through hole having an oval shape or a flattened ring shape. This through slot 35 is configured to receive the first pivot element 33. In this way, the through slot is configured to allow both reciprocal rotation between the connection and rotation element 30 and the first support element 11, and also reciprocal sliding, or translational movement, between the connection and rotation element 30 and the first support element 11.

[0055] The connection and rotation element 30 according to the present disclosure further comprises an abutment element 39, preferably positioned at the first end portion 31 of the connection and rotation element 30, configured such that rotation of the connection and rotation element 30 with respect to the frame 90, or with respect to the first support element 11, results in contact between the abutment element 39 and the frame 90 itself, and in a translational movement of the connection and rotation element 30 with respect to the first support element 11.

[0056] For example, the abutment element 39 may be a protrusion of the connection and rotation element 30.

[0057] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the connection and rotation element 30 is configured such that, upon a first rotation of the second support element 22 with respect to the first support element 11, the connection and rotation element 30 assumes an arrangement parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with the first support element 11, and such that, upon a further rotation of the second support element 22 with respect to the first support element 11, the connection and rotation element 30 rotates with respect to the first support element 11.In other words, preferably, during an initial rotation of the second support element 22 with respect to the first support element 11, the connection and rotation element 30 remains in a planar condition with respect to the first support element 11, that is, with its main direction of extension parallel, or substantially parallel, to a main direction of extension of the first support element. Preferably, this first rotation of the second support element 22 is substantially comprised between 0° and 90°.

[0058] Upon a further rotation of the second support element 22 with respect to the first support element 11, contact occurs between the abutment element 39 of the connection and rotation element 30 and the frame 90 of the sunbed 100. This contact results in a translational movement of the connection and rotation element with respect to the first support element 11 and, additionally, in a rotation of the connection and rotation element 30 with respect to the first support element 11. Advantageously, this translational and rotational movement of the connection and rotation element 30 with respect to the first support element 11 allows the second support element 22 to be completely rotated, up to 180°, and folded over with respect to the first support element 11.

[0059] The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to certain embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments may exist that fall within the same inventive concept, all of which are included within the scope of protection of the claims set out below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Sunbed (100) comprising a frame (90), a seat element (10), and a backrest element (20), wherein said seat element (10) and said backrest element (20) are connected to each other through a hinge device (50) configured to connect a first support element (11) of said seat element (10) with a second support element (22) of said backrest element (20), said hinge device (50) being configured to allow a rotation of said second support element (22) relative to said first support element (11) at least between a first position, in which said first support element (11) and said second support element (22) are parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with each other, and a second position, in which said first support element (11) and said second support element (22) are parallel, or substantially parallel, and superimposed on each other, wherein said hinge device (50) comprises a connection and rotation element (30) having a first end portion (31) rotatably associated with said first support element (11) and a second end portion (32), opposite to said first end portion (31), rotatably associated with said second support element (22), wherein said connection and rotation element (30) comprises an abutment element (39) configured such that, upon rotation of said connection and rotation element (30) relative to said frame (90), a contact occurs between said abutment element (39) and said frame (90) and a translational movement of said connection and rotation element (30) relative to said first support element (11) of said seat element (10) is produced.

2. Sunbed (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first end portion (31) of said connection and rotation element (30) is rotatably associated with said first support element (11) of the seat element (10) by means of a first pivot element (33), and wherein said second end portion (32) of said connection and rotation element (30) is rotatably associated with said second support element (22) of said backrest element (20), or second support element, by means of a second pivot element (34).

3. Sunbed (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said abutment element (39) is located at said first end portion (31) of said connection and rotation element (30).

4. Sunbed (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said second end portion (32) of said connection and rotation element (30) comprises a through hole (36) configured to receive said second pivot element (34) to allow mutual rotation between said connection and rotation element (30) and said second support element (22) of said backrest element (20), and wherein said first end portion(35) configured to receive said first pivot element (33), to allow both mutual rotation between said connection and rotation element (30) and said first support element (11) of said seat element (10), and mutual sliding between said connection and rotation element (30) and said first support element (11) of said seat element (10).

5. Sunbed (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first end portion (31) of said connection and rotation element (30) is L-shaped, or substantially L-shaped.

6. Sunbed (100) according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said first end portion (31) of said connection and rotation element (30) comprises a right or substantially right angle, preferably chamfered, at said abutment element (39).

7. Sunbed (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in said first position, said seat element (10) and said backrest element (20) define a support plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to a support surface of said sunbed (100), and wherein said sunbed (100) is free of protrusions or projections extending vertically relative to said support plane.

8. Sunbed (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in said first position, the hinge device (50) is aligned, or substantially aligned, with the first support element (11) and the second support element (22).

9. Sunbed (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said connection and rotation element (30) has a main development direction which, in said first position, is parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with a main development direction of said first support element (11) and with a main development direction of said second support element (22).

10. Sunbed (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection and rotation element (30) is configured such that, upon a first rotation of the second support element (22) relative to the first support element (11), the connection and rotation element (30) is arranged in a position that is parallel, or substantially parallel, and aligned, or substantially aligned, with the first support element (11), and that, upon a further rotation of the second support element (22) relative to the first support element (11), a rotation of the connection and rotation element (30) relative to the first support element (11) occurs.

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